Going on a date

That afternoon Mariette had seen Elroy back at work. She saw him as he exited King Vallotton's audience room. His steps looked clumsy like someone who had not moved for a long time.

Mariette had absolutely no intention of greeting him.

No, Mariette must not greet him.

"Isn't that Sir Elroy? You didn't say hello to him, Mariette?" she asked.

"Not. He looks busy, Princess Louisa," Mariette reasoned. "We're busy too. Let's quickly check the drawing room."

Mariette thought she would not see Elroy again for the rest of the day. Turns out she was wrong. Elroy was sitting in the corner of the hall where they used to meet. Elroy looked like he was waiting for someone.

I should have taken the roundabout way, thought Mariette, watching Elroy silently.

Perhaps because of his keen instincts as a knight, Elroy quickly sensed her gaze. Mariette quickly turned and left. She didn't care at all if Elroy saw her. Anyway, now Mariette had to avoid Elroy as much as possible.

Mariette must make Elroy forget his feelings. Mariette couldn't let anyone else die for her. She already promised to Marquess Gauthier.

Well, even though Mariette wasn't sure she could avoid Elroy forever. But at the very least, she had to give the impression that he was no longer interested in Elroy. Mariette will break his heart if need be.

"How mean," Mariette muttered more to herself.

***

Luckily Mariette was really busy. These are the last days before the debutante banquet is held. Mariette doesn't have time to go for a walk during breaks. No, she didn't even have time to rest.

"This is the final sample for snacks for the debutante banquet, Viscountess Tierney," said the palace cook.

"The presentation looks interesting. Princess Louisa also praised the taste last time. I think this is already good," said Mariette. "What about the supplies? Is everything safe?"

"There are still some items that we still have to wait for. I hope it will arrive on time."

"Please tell me immediately if there are other problems. Thanks for the hard work."

"Of course, My Lady."

Even when she was in the kitchen, Mariette didn't have time to eat anything. Well, not that she couldn't do it. The food sample just now could have Mariette asking for some to fill her stomach. It is just…

Mariette wasn't sure whether she would still be able to swallow something or not after this.

"Viscountess Tierney, I've been looking for you everywhere," interrupted Anatole as soon as Mariette came out of the kitchen.

"Sir Valent," the cook greeted Anatole.

Mariette gave Anatole a slight nod of greeting. "What a coincidence you are here. Would you like to taste some food samples for the debutante banquet? Your impression will mean a lot to us," said Mariette.

"Yeah, all right," said Anatole uncertainly.

"Please send a small part to Sir Anatole's study. The rest you can send to Count Lavaud's study–his child will be delighted that their father has brought home sweets," said Mariette. She paused. "Then, if you have any left, you can send them to Prince Louie's tutor."

"How about you, My Lady?"

"Forgive me. But just like Prince Louie and Princess Louisa, I am currently on a diet." Mariette forced a faint smile. "I will look forward to it at the debutante banquet later."

"Oh! It must have been hard for you to work with me in the kitchen all this time, My lady," said the cook sympathetically. "Just wait, I'll make the most delicious one at the banquet later. Make sure you eat it, okay!"

"Of course. Thank you," Mariette said.

Suddenly, with the cook's eyes still on them, Anatole wrapped his arms around Mariette's waist. "Are you on a diet?" he asked.

Noticing the cook's shocked expression, Mariette immediately motioned Anatole to get out of the kitchen. "Not. It's just an excuse," he said. "Why are you behaving as you did, Sir Anatole?"

"His Majesty the King was kind enough to allocate a special budget for both of us," Anatole told her. He immediately took off his arms when no one was around. "The tailor is waiting for us at the boutique."

Mariette raised her eyebrows. "We're going on a date in the middle of work?"

"Your Majesty the King has given permission. Count Lavaud will take care of your work. You'll burden him even more if we don't leave now."

"Okay. Let's go then."

They only show warm hands, sweet manners, and affectionate hugs when they are within sight of people. It didn't look so romantic, even Mariette could sense Anatole's embarrassment. But in the eyes of other people who see, Mariette and Anatole are a match made in heaven.

Two people who are both cold in nature are in love. Doesn't that sound romantic?

Before the debutante banquet started, this rumor would have already spread throughout Masoullac Capital, Mariette thought as she glanced around. She found a mob of women already diehard fans of Anatole Valent.

Arriving at the boutique, the two of them caused another stir. Especially when Anatole tells the boutique owner that the two of them have come on behalf of His Majesty the King of Vallotton's reservation.

It didn't take long for both of them to be served. The boutique owner recommended many new materials and styles. Everything is purposely matched. Mariette doesn't matter what material and model she wants to use. After all, the dress that she had actually ordered in advance had already been made. Mariette just wants to get back to work.

"Whichever one is up to you," said Anatole without bothering. "But I want something that goes with this brooch."

Mariette's blue sapphire brooch.

"I've been wondering where this brooch has gone," Mariette told Anatole. "I guess you took it back."

"I said I would fix it, right? You need not worry that I will take anything from you, Mariette," said Anatole.

Mariette furrowed her brows. He was confused as to why Anatole had said that. "What did you mean just now?"

And suddenly, Anatole kissed her in front of the boutique owner and his assistants.

It was sure that this incident would spread across Masoullac Capital within a day.